Maha

Maha is a 30-year-old Lebanese borrower. She has two children. Since 2004, Maha has been producing agro products, as well as homemade Lebanese bread called 'saj'. A 'saj' is the metal oven used to make 'saj' bread; it is a traditional Lebanese cooking dome. The 'saj' is used to make several types of bread, including 'markouk' (thinned) bread and doughy confections, or 'mankoucheh'.

Maha notes that when she first started, she faced some challenges in securing financing for her business. She decided on doing her business because she says that she has good experience of the market demand and has experience in her work. Today, Maha has requested a loan from Kiva partner, Al Majmoua. She plans on purchasing a 'saj' machine and raw materials for her food production. She hopes to further expand and enhance her work in the future.

Additional Information

About Al Majmoua – Lebanese Association for Development

The Lebanese Association for Development – Al Majmoua is Lebanon’s leading microfinance institution and the oldest Kiva partner in Lebanon. Al Majmoua’s vision is to “be the leader in creating an inclusive financial system where all people in Lebanon have access to affordable services.” Given Lebanon's diverse population, Al Majmoua lends to all nationalities, provided legal residency. The strong financial position achieved to date has allowed Al Majmoua to steadily lower its pricing over the years.

Based on the belief that non-financial services play a complementary role in improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable entrepreneurs, Al Majmoua has established a solid Business Development Services program for both borrowers and non-borrowers with a focus on women and youth.